Folate for Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss
F Not Effective Research shows this is unlikely to be effective for this use.Based on 11 studies with 4,166 total participants. Results are mixed across studies.
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F
The Bottom Line
The evidence linking folate supplementation to hair regrowth is limited and mixed — folate deficiency may contribute to hair loss in some cases, but supplementation is not well-supported as a general hair loss remedy.
- Results are mixed across 11 studies, with no clear consensus on folate's role in hair loss
- No randomized controlled trials have specifically tested folate supplementation for hair regrowth
- Folate deficiency may be more relevant when caused by medications (e.g., methotrexate) rather than diet
- Blood testing for folate levels may help determine if supplementation is appropriate
Key Study Findings
In Vitro
7-Hydroxycannabidiol and 7-carboxycannabidiol induced cytotoxicity via apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in human hepatic cells.
Dose: None
vs: Untreated hepatic cells
Outcome: Cytotoxicity via apoptosis and ER stress
Effect: None
None
Population: Primary human hepatocytes and HepG2 cells
Review
Safety First: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss in Breast Cancer Patients.
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: None
None
Review
Medical Marijuana and Treatment Personalization: The Role of Genetics and Epigenetics in Response to THC …
Dose: None
vs: None
Outcome: None
Effect: None
None
Population: Review of pharmacogenomics of THC and CBD
In Vitro
2 weeks
Quality and safety of hemp meal as a protein supplement for nonlactating dairy cows.
Dose: 10.2% d
vs: None
Outcome: glycemic control
Effect: None
None
Population: Cows
Case-control
n=973
Micronutrient Deficiencies and Digital Computerized Phototrichogram Analysis in Telogen Effluvium: a Retrospective Correlation Study in …
Dose: None
vs: Placebo
Effect: r=0.417 (HGB and AHR in females)
p=0.008
retrospective cohort study
n=3028
Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients …
Dose: standard replacement doses
vs: Placebo
Effect: vitamin D deficient: 72.2%; B12 deficient: 30.7%; iron deficiency anemia: 6.2%
None
Key Statistics
11
Studies
4166
Participants
↔
Mixed
F
Grade
Referenced Papers
Nutrients
2025
2 citations
Archives of toxicology
2025
1 citations
Genes
2025
1 citations
Journal of dairy …
2023
8 citations
Dermatology practical & …
2023
4 citations
Journal of cosmetic …
2022
22 citations
Medical cannabis and …
2018
158 citations
American journal of …
2017
104 citations
Journal of drugs …
2016
56 citations
Clinical and experimental …
2009
34 citations
Dermatologic clinics
1993
38 citations
Dosage & Usage
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units
Commonly Used Dosages
- general:
- 400 mcg DFE/day
Upper limit: 1,000 mcg/day (synthetic folic acid)
Dosages Studied in Research
| Dosage | Duration | Effect | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | -- | Negative | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Mixed | -- |
| 10.2% d | 2 weeks | Mixed | -- |
| None | -- | Positive | 973 |
| standard replacement doses | -- | Neutral | 3028 |
| None | -- | Positive | -- |
| None | -- | Negative | -- |
Best taken: With meals for better absorption
Safety & Side Effects
Reported Side Effects
- ⚠ Generally well tolerated
- ⚠ May mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms at high doses
- ⚠ Rare: abdominal cramps, insomnia
Known Interactions
- ● Methotrexate (folate antagonist; consult physician)
- ● Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine) may reduce folate levels
- ● Sulfasalazine (reduces folate absorption)
Tolerable upper intake: 1,000 mcg/day (synthetic folic acid)
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Folate help with Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss?
Based on 11 studies with 4,166 participants, there is insufficient evidence at this time that Folate may support Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss management. Our evidence grade is F (Evidence Against).
How much Folate should I take for Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss?
Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 400 mcg DFE/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Are there side effects of Folate?
Reported side effects may include Generally well tolerated, May mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms at high doses, Rare: abdominal cramps, insomnia. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
How strong is the evidence for Folate and Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss?
We rate the evidence as Grade F (Evidence Against). This rating is based on 11 peer-reviewed studies with 4,166 total participants. The overall direction of effect is mixed.
Related Evidence
Other ingredients for Nutritional Deficiency Hair Loss
Folate for other conditions
References
- [1] Andrea Sechi et al.. Nutrients. 2025. Safety First: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Supplements for Hair Loss in Breast Cancer Patients. doi:10.3390/nu17091451 PubMed
- [2] Yuxi Li et al.. Arch Toxicol. 2025. 7-Hydroxycannabidiol and 7-carboxycannabidiol induced cytotoxicity via apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in human hepatic cells. doi:10.1007/s00204-025-04001-7 PubMed
- [3] Małgorzata Kalak et al.. Genes (Basel). 2025. Medical Marijuana and Treatment Personalization: The Role of Genetics and Epigenetics in Response to THC and CBD. doi:10.3390/genes16121487 PubMed
- [4] F Addo et al.. J Dairy Sci. 2023. Quality and safety of hemp meal as a protein supplement for nonlactating dairy cows. doi:10.3168/jds.2023-23222 PubMed
- [5] Hakan Arslan et al.. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2023. Micronutrient Deficiencies and Digital Computerized Phototrichogram Analysis in Telogen Effluvium: a Retrospective Correlation Study in a Tertiary Medical Center. doi:10.5826/dpc.1303a202 PubMed
- [6] Ahu Yorulmaz et al.. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022. Telogen effluvium in daily practice: Patient characteristics, laboratory parameters, and treatment modalities of 3028 patients with telogen effluvium. doi:10.1111/jocd.14413 PubMed
- [7] Arno Hazekamp. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2018. The Trouble with CBD Oil. doi:10.1159/000489287 PubMed
- [8] Jordan M Thompson et al.. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2017. The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review. doi:10.1007/s40257-017-0285-x PubMed
- [9] Evelyn J Cheung et al.. J Drugs Dermatol. 2016. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies in Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. PubMed
- [10] C Durusoy et al.. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2009. The role of psychological factors and serum zinc, folate and vitamin B12 levels in the aetiology of trichodynia: a case-control … doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.03165.x PubMed
- [11] D H Rushton. Dermatol Clin. 1993. Management of hair loss in women. PubMed
FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.